Chapter VII

So now there sit Plish and Plum, Very dull and very glum.

Two strong chains, and short, did hem The activity of them.

Fittig seriously reflected: "This must somehow be corrected! Virtue needs encouragement; Vice gets on by natural bent." Paul and Peter now began Schooling with Herr Buckleman. At the first day's session he Thus addressed them pleasantly:

"Dear lads,—I assure you, I am very Glad you have come to this seminary; And, as I hope, with all your powers Intend to improve these precious hours. And first, the things most important to mention, Reading, writing, and ciphering will claim our attention; For these are the arts by which man rises To honor and wealth, and wins great prizes. But, secondly, what good would all this do, Unless politeness were added thereto? For he who is not polite to all Into trouble will certainly fall. Finally, therefore, bending before you, As you see, I entreat and implore you,

If in good faith you have made up your mind To follow the rules I have now defined, Then lift up your hands and look me in the eye, And say, 'Herr Buckleman, we will try!'" Paul and Peter thought: "Old man, D'ye think us greenhorns? Is that your plan?"

They give no answer, but inwardly They grin and giggle, and say, "he! he!" Whereat old Master Buckleman Gave a low whistle, and thus began: "Since, then, you've resolved to be Hardened reprobates," said he, "I am resolved, face down, to lay You both across my desk straightway, Applying the stick to your hinder parts In hopes of softening your hard hearts."

Drawing out then from beneath His coat, like sabre from its sheath, His good hazel rod, of stuff Flexible and tight and tough,— He with many a sturdy thwack Laid it on each urchin's back.

Nay, he trounced two backs in one, Till he deemed the work was done. "Now then," he spoke in a tranquil way, "Belovèd children, what do you say?

Are you content and are we agreed?" "Yes, yes, Herr Buckleman,—yes, indeed!" Such was the method of Buckleman; We see the good effects of his plan.

'Twas the talk of the people, one and all,— "Charming children—Peter and Paul!" And so they tried it on Plish and Plum: They too, also, to school must come.

And the Buckleman plan's applied Faithfully to each one's hide. Masters of Arts, they're soon approved, And universally beloved;

And, as one might well expect, Art shows practical effect.